Home to ancient Gladiator fights, learn about the history of the Coliseum through its ruins and artefacts and walk around this 2,000 year old amphitheatre

Built over 2,000 years ago the Coliseum was constructed as an amphitheatre to host the city’s entertainment – and notoriously, the gladiator fights. It was designed to hold over 50,000 people and had a warren of underground tunnels as well as a hierarchy of levelled seating. The Coliseum’s main spherical structure still stands today and visitors can explore its hallways and walk up its steps to be transported back in time.

Please note: Closed 14 April from 13.00

Highlights:

Explore the top tier walkways

Informative exhibitions and displays

Ancient artefacts

Did you know:

The floor of the Coliseum was made of wooden floorboards so that the gladiators wouldn’t slip – and more importantly, it was good at absorbing any bloodshed

Miniature naval boat races were also held at the Coliseum, as well as the historical combats

Palazzo Venezia and Palazzo Barberini used the marble from the Coliseum’s structure in their own construction

Divided into tiers, the Coliseum had a ranking system in terms of seating: lower seats for the religious and political authorities with a special place for the emperor; then for the so called “patrizi”, that is aristocrats and the knights; then for common people; then for poor people and for women.

Things to see:

Internal tiers

Walk around the top tier and hypogeum and tread where ancient spectators would have tread. Admire the vast building from every angle as you walk around almost 360˚. Notice where the building has crumbled from the destructive earthquakes – especially that of 847 which caused its southern side to collapse.

Underground tunnels

From above you can look down into the warren of tunnels underneath the floor of the Coliseum. Although the floor has been replaced in part to give an idea of how it would have looked, you can imagine how dark it would have been underground where the animals were kept and where the gladiators waited to be let into their fate…

Roman Forum

Along the outer edge, peak through the large window-shaped openings and take in the impressive views of the Roman Forum to the West of the Coliseum. The Arch of Constantine is another notable landmark of the ancient ruins and stands just behind the great amphitheatre. It’s a great way to get a unique perspective over the ancient city and get some memorable photos, too!

Please note that for safety reasons the Coliseum can only accommodate up to 3,000 people at one time. This can sometimes lead to delays in entering the site.

How to get there:

- Colosseo (Metro B)

*The Roma Pass allows you free entry to 2 out of 6 top attractions for free including the Coliseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum, Capitolini Museums, Borghese Gallery and National Museum of Castel St. Angelo

The Omnia Vatican & Rome Card, great value for money.
In a nut shell fantastic! Allows you to gain access to many top musems and monuments. Easy to use, comes with a booklet outlining the main attractions you can visit using your passes. You can also use the Rome Card on the metro and trams, allowing you to get round the wonderful city of Rome.Patricia Williams from USA